Last Modified: Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 10:54 p.m.

It's not often that kids have to think about what they would need in case of a natural disaster. But that was part of the objective Sunday as part of a “Science Sunday” event at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, to learn about natural disasters, what causes them and what people can do to be prepared for them. The museum has held two “Science Sunday” events this year and will likely offer others, said Amanda Espy-Brown, education and outreach coordinator for the museum.

“We want families to understand the science,” Espy-Brown said. “What causes natural hazards? Where can we expect natural hazards? What's the frequency of natural hazards? People are well-educated on tornadoes, but we are also impacted by earthquakes and hurricanes, and most people don't know a lot about those hazards.”

Ayush went to the first “Science Sunday” in January and had such a good time he wanted to come again said his mother, Sushma Kotru.

Candace Cagle brought her 6-year-old daughter Sydney to the event.

“My little one is fascinated with the weather, so I knew she would love it,” Cagle said.

As part of the event, scientists from various University of Alabama departments, including geology and geography, gave presentations explaining why there are tornadoes and earthquakes and how they are measured.

“Families need to know the signs, and they need to know what to do when they see those signs,” Espy-Brown said. “We want them to understand how being prepared helps limit injury and damage.”

Artwork was also on display from students at Holy Spirit Catholic School, art pieces that were created using twigs, roots and other pieces of tornado debris. As part of the event, children were encouraged to make small bird figures, similar to the artwork on display, using sawdust from trees that fell on Hurricane Creek during the April 27, 2011, tornado.

“We've decided to do some Sunday events for families,” Espy-Brown said. “The museum during the week is kind of isolated due to parking, and we want to involve the community. We have so many great resources.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | Nine-year-old Ayush Kotru carefully looked through a pile of household items Sunday afternoon, picking out things like bottled water, batteries and a first-aid kit.</p><p>It's not often that kids have to think about what they would need in case of a natural disaster. But that was part of the objective Sunday as part of a “Science Sunday” event at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, to learn about natural disasters, what causes them and what people can do to be prepared for them. The museum has held two “Science Sunday” events this year and will likely offer others, said Amanda Espy-Brown, education and outreach coordinator for the museum.</p><p>“We want families to understand the science,” Espy-Brown said. “What causes natural hazards? Where can we expect natural hazards? What's the frequency of natural hazards? People are well-educated on tornadoes, but we are also impacted by earthquakes and hurricanes, and most people don't know a lot about those hazards.”</p><p>Ayush went to the first “Science Sunday” in January and had such a good time he wanted to come again said his mother, Sushma Kotru.</p><p>Candace Cagle brought her 6-year-old daughter Sydney to the event.</p><p>“My little one is fascinated with the weather, so I knew she would love it,” Cagle said.</p><p>As part of the event, scientists from various University of Alabama departments, including geology and geography, gave presentations explaining why there are tornadoes and earthquakes and how they are measured.</p><p>“Families need to know the signs, and they need to know what to do when they see those signs,” Espy-Brown said. “We want them to understand how being prepared helps limit injury and damage.”</p><p>Artwork was also on display from students at Holy Spirit Catholic School, art pieces that were created using twigs, roots and other pieces of tornado debris. As part of the event, children were encouraged to make small bird figures, similar to the artwork on display, using sawdust from trees that fell on Hurricane Creek during the April 27, 2011, tornado.</p><p>“We've decided to do some Sunday events for families,” Espy-Brown said. “The museum during the week is kind of isolated due to parking, and we want to involve the community. We have so many great resources.”</p><p> </p><p>Reach Lydia Seabol Avant at 205-722-0222 or lydia.seabolavant@tuscaloosanews.com.</p>